"Command the Israelites and say to them: When you enter the land of Canaan, it will be allotted to you as an inheritance with these boundaries: CommandThe Hebrew word used here is "tsavah," which means to give a charge or order. This word is often used in the context of divine instructions, emphasizing the authority and seriousness of the command. In the biblical narrative, God's commands are not mere suggestions but are directives that require obedience. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God, as the sovereign Lord, provides guidance and laws for His people to follow. the Israelites
The term "Israelites" refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. This designation is significant as it ties the people to their patriarchal heritage and the promises God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Historically, the Israelites are the chosen people through whom God intended to reveal Himself to the world. This identity is central to their understanding of themselves as a nation set apart for God's purposes. and say to them
This phrase indicates a direct communication from God to His people through Moses. It underscores the role of Moses as a prophet and mediator between God and Israel. The act of speaking to the people is a reminder of the personal nature of God's relationship with Israel, where He communicates His will and expectations clearly and directly. When you enter
The phrase "when you enter" speaks to the future action of the Israelites entering the Promised Land. It is a statement of assurance and prophecy, indicating that the entry into the land is a certainty. This reflects God's faithfulness to His promises and His sovereign control over history. The anticipation of entering the land is a central theme in the Pentateuch, symbolizing the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. the land of Canaan
Canaan is the land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham. It is a region with a rich and complex history, inhabited by various peoples and cultures. The land of Canaan is significant not only as a physical territory but also as a symbol of God's promise and blessing. It represents a place of rest and abundance, contrasting with the Israelites' previous experience of slavery in Egypt and wandering in the wilderness. this is the land
This phrase emphasizes the specificity and reality of God's promise. The land is not an abstract concept but a tangible inheritance that God is giving to His people. It highlights the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises and the importance of the land in the identity and mission of Israel. that shall fall to you
The phrase "that shall fall to you" uses the Hebrew word "naphal," which can mean to fall, to be allotted, or to be given. This conveys the idea of the land being a divine gift or inheritance. It is not something the Israelites earn by their own efforts but is granted to them by God's grace. This reinforces the concept of the land as a covenantal gift, underscoring God's sovereignty and generosity. as an inheritance
The term "inheritance" is crucial in biblical theology, denoting something passed down from one generation to another. In the context of Israel, the land is an inheritance from God, meant to be a perpetual possession for His people. This concept of inheritance ties into the broader biblical theme of God's people receiving a promised inheritance, ultimately pointing to the spiritual inheritance believers have in Christ. the land of Canaan
Reiterating the specific land promised to the Israelites, this repetition underscores its importance. Canaan is not just any land; it is the land chosen by God for His people. This repetition serves to remind the Israelites of the significance of the land in God's redemptive plan and their identity as His chosen people. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelitesThe descendants of Jacob, also known as the children of Israel, who were chosen by God to be His people and were led by Moses out of Egypt towards the Promised Land. 2. CanaanThe land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants, which the Israelites were to inherit. It represents the fulfillment of God's promise and a place of rest and blessing. 3. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who received God's commandments and instructions, including the boundaries of the land of Canaan, which he was to communicate to the people. 4. InheritanceThe land of Canaan was to be divided among the tribes of Israel as their inheritance, signifying God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham. 5. BoundariesThe specific geographical limits of the land of Canaan, which were to be established as the Israelites' inheritance, highlighting the importance of order and divine provision. Teaching Points God's FaithfulnessGod's promise to Abraham is being fulfilled as the Israelites prepare to enter Canaan. This teaches us about the reliability and faithfulness of God's promises in our lives. Divine Order and ProvisionThe specific boundaries set by God indicate His attention to detail and provision for His people. We can trust God to provide for our needs and establish order in our lives. Inheritance in ChristJust as the Israelites received a physical inheritance, believers have a spiritual inheritance in Christ. We are called to live in the fullness of this inheritance, embracing our identity and purpose in Him. Obedience to God's CommandsThe Israelites were commanded to enter and possess the land. Similarly, we are called to obey God's commands and step into the promises He has for us. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the promise of the land of Canaan to the Israelites demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham? 2. In what ways can we see the concept of inheritance in the New Testament, and how does it apply to believers today? 3. What can we learn from the specific boundaries set for the Israelites' inheritance about God's provision and order in our lives? 4. How does the idea of entering the Promised Land relate to the spiritual rest and fulfillment found in Christ? 5. What steps can we take to ensure we are obedient to God's commands and fully embracing the inheritance He has given us in Christ? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 12:7God's initial promise to Abraham about giving his descendants the land of Canaan, establishing the foundation for the inheritance mentioned in Numbers 34:2. Joshua 1:3-4The reiteration of the promise and boundaries of the land to Joshua, emphasizing the continuity of God's promise from Moses to Joshua. Hebrews 4:8-10The concept of entering God's rest, which parallels the Israelites entering Canaan, symbolizing spiritual rest and fulfillment in Christ. People Addar, Ahihud, Ammihud, Asher, Azzan, Benjamin, Bukki, Caleb, Chislon, Dan, Eleazar, Elidad, Elizaphan, Enan, Gad, Hanniel, Israelites, Issachar, Jephunneh, Jogli, Joseph, Joshua, Kemuel, Manasseh, Moses, Naphtali, Nun, Paltiel, Parnach, Pedahel, Phaltiel, Reuben, Samuel, Shelomi, Shemuel, Shiphtan, Simeon, ZebulunPlaces Ain, Akrabbim, Brook of Egypt, Canaan, Edom, Great Sea, Hazar-addar, Hazar-enan, Jordan River, Kadesh-barnea, Lebo-hamath, Mount Hor, Plains of Moab, Riblah, Salt Sea, Sea of Chinnereth, Shepham, Zedad, Zin, ZiphronTopics Allotted, Borders, Boundaries, Canaan, Coasts, Command, Enter, Extent, Fall, Falleth, Full, Hast, Heritage, Inheritance, Inside, Israelites, Limits, Orders, Sons, ThereofDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 34:1-12 4207 land, divine gift Numbers 34:1-15 7258 promised land, early history Library The Talmudic Girdle of the Land under the Second Temple, Taken Out of the Jerusalem Sheviith, Fol. 36 3
What all these things mean, I cannot so much as conjecture; yea, nor can I scarce conjecture, what the meaning is of some of them. Neither is there any Oedipus at hand, nor Sphinx herself, to explain and unriddle them. The Talmudists are silent from making any comments here, nor have we the advantage of any other commentator. We must, therefore, act here according to the uncertain instruction of nods and winks; and that either by saying nothing, or by mere conjecture, since that the mind of the authors …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and HebraicaThe Northern Coasts of Galilee. Amanah. The Mountain of Snow.
This coast is described by Moses, Numbers 34:7: "From the Great Sea to mount Hor: from mount Hor to the entrance of Hamath," &c. Mount Hor, in the Jewish writers, is Amanah; mention of which occurs, Canticles 4:8, where R. Solomon thus: "Amanah is a mount in the northern coast of the land of Israel, which in the Talmudical language is called, The mountainous plain of Amanon; the same with mount Hor." In the Jerusalem Targum, for mount 'Hor' is the mount Manus: but the Targum of Jonathan renders it …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica What is to be Said of the Sea of Apamia.
'The sea of Apamia' is reckoned the seventh among those seas that compass the land of Israel; which word hath a sound so near akin to the word Pamias, by which name the Rabbins point out the fountains of Jordan,--that the mention of that word cannot but excite the memory of this, yea, almost persuade that both design one and the same place: and that the sea Apamia was nothing else but some great collection of waters at the very springs of Jordan. This also might moreover be added to strengthen that …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Pamias. Paneas, the Spring of Jordan.
The maps assign a double spring of Jordan; but by what right it scarce appears; much less does it appear by what right they should call this Jor,--and that Dan. There is indeed mention in Josephus of little Jordan and great Jordan. Hence, as it seems, was the first original of the double spring in the maps, and of a double river at those first springs. For thus Josephus; "There are fountains (in Daphne) which send little Jordan, as it is called, into the great." He treats, in the text cited, of the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Lake of Gennesaret; Or, the Sea of Galilee and Tiberias.
Jordan is measured at one hundred and twenty furlongs, from the lake of Samochonitis to that of Gennesaret. That lake, in the Old Testament, is 'The sea of Chinnereth,' Numbers 34:11, &c. In the Targumists, 'The sea of Genesar'; sometimes, 'of Genesor'; sometimes, 'of Ginosar': it is the same also in the Talmudists, but most frequently 'The sea of Tiberiah.' Both names are used by the evangelists; 'the lake of Gennesaret,' Luke 5:1; 'the sea of Tiberias,' John 21:1; and 'the sea of Galilee,' John …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Subterraneous Places. Mines. Caves.
Thus having taken some notice of the superficies of the land, let us a little search into its bowels. You may divide the subterraneous country into three parts: the metal mines, the caves, and the places of burial. This land was eminently noted for metal mines, so that "its stones," in very many places, "were iron, and out of its hills was digged brass," Deuteronomy 8:9. From these gain accrued to the Jews: but to the Christians, not seldom slavery and misery; being frequently condemned hither by …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Arbel. Shezor. Tarnegola the Upper.
"Arbel a city of Galilee."--There is mention of it in Hosea 10:14. But there are authors which do very differently interpret that place, viz. the Chaldee paraphrast, R. Solomon, Kimchi: consult them. It was between Zippor and Tiberias. Hence Nittai the Arbelite, who was president with Josua Ben Perahiah. The valley of Arbel is mentioned by the Talmudists. So also "The Arbelite Bushel." "Near Zephath in Upper Galilee was a town named Shezor, whence was R. Simeon Shezori: there he was buried. There …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Coast of the Asphaltites, the Essenes. En-Gedi.
"On the western shore" (of the Asphaltites) "dwell the Essenes; whom persons, guilty of any crimes, fly from on every side. A nation it is that lives alone, and of all other nations in the whole world, most to be admired; they are without any woman; all lust banished, &c. Below these, was the town Engadda, the next to Jerusalem for fruitfulness, and groves of palm-trees, now another burying-place. From thence stands Massada, a castle in a rock, and this castle not far from the Asphaltites." Solinus, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him.
(Sea of Galilee, Near Capernaum.) ^A Matt. IV. 18-22; ^B Mark I. 16-20; ^C Luke V. 1-11. ^a 18 And walking ^b 16 And passing along by the sea of Galilee [This lake is a pear-shaped body of water, about twelve and a half miles long and about seven miles across at its widest place. It is 682 feet below sea level; its waters are fresh, clear and abounding in fish, and it is surrounded by hills and mountains, which rise from 600 to 1,000 feet above it. Its greatest depth is about 165 feet], he [Jesus] …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done.
The readers of the eastern interpreters will observe, that Kadesh is rendered by all Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee, it is 'Rekam': in the Syriac, 'Rekem': in the Arabic, 'Rakim'... There are two places noted by the name Rekam in the very bounds of the land,--to wit, the southern and eastern: that is, a double Kadesh. I. Of Kadesh, or Rekam, in the south part, there is no doubt. II. Of it, in the eastern part, there is this mention: "From Rekam to the east, and Rekam is as the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 34:2 NIVNumbers 34:2 NLTNumbers 34:2 ESVNumbers 34:2 NASBNumbers 34:2 KJV
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